Lzh Mu Bu Pm Sk 81Shaking the Hand
Pāli / Sanskrit:Hatthaniddhunaka
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An Explanation of the Hatthaniddhunaka Sutta (The Discourse on Shaking the Hand)
Background
The Hatthaniddhunaka Sutta is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Pātimokkha or among the rules related to the customs of the Sangha. In the Theravāda tradition, the Vinaya Piṭaka is regarded as the ethical foundation of the monastic community, established by Buddha Gotama to maintain purity and discipline within the Sangha.
This discourse was spoken in the context of the Buddha guiding his disciples regarding coarse or unsuitable actions and gestures not in accord with the noble path. The title "Shaking the Hand" describes a specific action that the Buddha wished to correct, in order to educate monks and nuns in elegance and respect in conduct.
Main Content
The specific content of this discourse has not yet been fully translated in common materials; however, according to the general context of the Vinaya Piṭaka, this discourse teaches about actions that should not be done within the Sangha.
Shaking the hand (hattha-niddhunaka) is an expression of lack of control over mind and body. In the context of Theravāda Buddhist practice, such careless movements are considered entirely unsuitable. They reflect a mental state lacking concentration, filled with disturbances (kilesa), and causing discomfort to those around.
The Buddha taught that a bhikkhu, a nun, or any practitioner must attend to every movement of the body. Each footstep, each manner of sitting, standing, lying down, and shaking the hand must be performed consciously and with dignity. These are not dry rules, but a training of mind toward purity and calm.
This discourse is also connected with the concept of "samādhi" (concentration) in Theravāda Buddhism. A practitioner cannot attain wisdom (paññā) if the mind is not concentrated, and the mind cannot be concentrated if the body still engages in disturbed actions.
Practical Meaning
To apply this teaching in modern life, a practitioner needs to recognize that self-awareness (mindfulness, sati) concerns not only the mind but also the body.
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